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Commissioners reopen debate on legalizing backyard chickens, direct staff to research
Summary
Junction City commissioners discussed allowing chickens under new ordinance language but did not vote. Commissioners asked staff and legal counsel to study models from nearby military-adjacent cities, examine budget and enforcement impacts, and report back this summer; one commissioner said she may pursue a ballot referral if research stalls.
The Junction City Commission reopened a long-running debate over whether to legalize backyard chickens but took no final vote, instead asking staff and the city attorney to research ordinance language and fiscal impacts.
A presenter identified the key question as whether a draft ordinance should allow hens and, if so, what restrictions (permitting, setbacks, flock sizes and a ban on roosters) should apply. “The first question is ... does the commission want to look at the legalization of chickens or fowl in the city?” the staff presenter said, urging commissioners to identify the degree of regulation they want so a draft could be returned by June.
Several commissioners and residents raised concerns about enforcement, animal shelter impacts and abandonment. “I do not expect that we will vote on the legalization today, but I do hope that we can form a consensus that allows our legal advisory to begin research to forming an ordinance in the future,” said a commissioner who asked that the discussion be advanced this meeting. Staff said police leadership does not expect legalizing chickens to overload animal-control operations if sensible restrictions and foster or agricultural-placement options are used.
A realtor who spoke during the discussion warned of abandoned birds left at properties and possible property-value consequences, saying landlords often object to animals and that chickens can create nuisance issues if not properly housed. Commissioners asked staff to contact nearby cities that neighbor military installations to learn whether they have seen abandonment or budget and staffing impacts; staff agreed to return with findings and potential draft language.
Commissioner comments reflected a range of views: some supported a limited legalization (no roosters, small hen limits and setback requirements) while others urged caution and suggested more detailed fiscal estimates before adoption. One commissioner said she would pursue placing the issue on the ballot later this year if the commission did not resolve the issue after staff research. The commission did not adopt an ordinance and directed staff and legal counsel to research ordinance models, fiscal effects and enforcement options and to report back this summer.
